At Spotify, we are empowering and amplifying the voices of underrepresented creators. To do that, we must carve out spaces for new stories and perspectives to be shared and heard. So we created NextGen, our ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast culture on college campuses. Funded by Spotify's Creator Equity Fund, this initiative exists to provide students across the U.S. with the skills needed to pursue their dreams.
After initially partnering with the University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, we've expanded our outreach to historically Black college and university (HBCU) campuses. Spelman College in Atlanta is the first HBCU to offer NextGen programming, and as part of that effort, we have provided support for student-led original audio content, hosted special events and training programs, and will soon introduce an on campus podcast recording space.
Earlier this year, we hosted our first NextGen Creator Day at Spelman, where we announced a new audio-first NextGen curriculum, a weeklong Spotify Labs Creator Program, and the Spotify NextGen Scholarship.
The NextGen Scholarship provides multiyear scholarships to five first-year Spelman students interested in pursuing a career in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. Students must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. To get to know the applicants better, they also had to answer the question, What story would you love to tell through media?
After a competitive submission process, we are excited to announce the recipients of the scholarship program: Rokiyah Darbo, Taylor Mills, Ashley Rawls, Bailey Johnson, and Tellisa Massey. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 scholarship during their sophomore, junior, and senior years, and they will also have the option to be Spotify ambassadors. Get to know these talented students and their dreams.
Rokiyah Darbo (she/her)
Major: Biology How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students? Black students are already at a disadvantage in this society simply for being Black. Scholarships like NextGen allow Black students to be involved in conversations that can help them build a future and provide financial support to their families.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you'd want to collaborate with? My top three creators are Elsa Majimbo, Anayka She, and Monet McMichael. It would truly be an honor if I ever got the chance to even be in the same room as these beautiful, hilarious, and successful women of color. I began watching all three of them during quarantine, and the reason why I love their content so much is because they are constantly keeping it real with us. They are hilarious, but at the end of the day, they also give really great big sister advice.
What's one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator? Confidence.
Taylor Mills (she/her)
Major: Theatre and Performance How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students? Scholarships and learning opportunities from NextGen have endless possibilities. As a Spelman student, I am very grateful to NextGen because they have helped me financially and shown that they believe in my craft, creating spaces for HBCU students like me to thrive and learn about the business behind our future career goals.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you'd want to collaborate with? Some creators of color that inspire me are @ik.truth, Fyd le, and Janay Trench-Lesley because of their raw talent and content consistency! If I could collaborate with a content creator, it would be Vena E. because she's unapologetically herself and inspires others to do the same!
What's one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator? As a content creator, I'll continue to motivate people with my comedic twist! I plan to use Spotify NextGen's resources, improve my craft, and continue to succeed as an HBCU student!
Ashley Rawls (she/they)
Major: Music How can scholarships and learning opportunities like NextGen help HBCU students? Scholarships like NextGen can help HBCU students by providing financial support for those who may be institutionally disadvantaged. It is no secret that HBCUs are often underfunded, which in turn limits scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarships like NextGen help alleviate these challenges. It also allows more Black creatives to be involved in industries that lack diversity and Black representation. By giving HBCU students incredible opportunities like this, it fosters a space where Black people can be appreciated and continues to challenge the norms while maintaining culture.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you and whom you'd want to collaborate with? Definitely Ravyn Lenae. I have been in love with her neo-soul beats and classically trained voice. Her debut album, HYPNOS, was absolutely enchanting, and having the opportunity to see her in concert was one of the highlights of this year for me. Her EP Crush was created in collaboration with one of my other favorite artists, Steve Lacy, and it was the album that made me fall in love with her music. I absolutely adore Steve Lacy and all of the projects that he has produced, so having the two of them on one album was heaven to my ears. I would absolutely love to collaborate with Ravyn and Steve because I feel like they have been the main inspiration for my own music and are really paving the way for modern-day neo-soul.
What's one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator? As a musician, I would love to be able to create my own personal sound and share my music with the world. I have always been infatuated with music and believe t
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At Spotify, we are empowering and amplifying the voices of underrepresented creators. To do that, we must carve out spaces for new stories and perspectives to be shared and heard. So we created NextGen, our ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast culture on college campuses. Funded by Spotify's Creator Equity Fund, this initiative exists to provide students across the U.S. with the skills needed to pursue their dreams.
